Explore scales · Bass
A ionian augmented scale on bass guitar
A ionian augmented is A, B, C♯, D, E♯, F♯, G♯. Box 1 places the root at string 4 fret 5 and string 1 fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the A ionian augmented scale on bass?
A ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the E string at fret 1 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 4 | E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 8 | D, E♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E♯ on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 8, 9 | E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 10 | D, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
A ionian augmented raises the fifth of A major from E to E♯, creating an augmented 5th from the root. The scale keeps the major 3rd, major 6th, and major 7th of A major. The raised fifth also produces a diminished 5th between B and E♯.
When to use it
A ionian augmented fits A augmented and A augmented major 7th chords. Use it over A augmented or A augmented major 7th in jazz or fusion lines. The leading tone G♯ pulls strongly to A.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 1–4 with the root on string 4 fret 5, giving easy access to the low A.
Common questions
What notes are in A ionian augmented?
A ionian augmented contains A, B, C♯, D, E♯, F♯, and G♯. The E♯ is the raised fifth. The scale also includes a major 7th.
Which chords does A ionian augmented fit?
A ionian augmented fits A augmented and A augmented major 7th chords. The raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major 7th adds colour.
What is the difference between A ionian augmented and A major?
A ionian augmented raises the fifth degree of A major from E to E♯. This creates an augmented 5th interval from the root. The other notes remain the same.